One day, Jesus’ disciples got into an argument about which one of them was the greatest. Jesus called them together and gave them a little wake-up call. He said: “If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all.” (Mark 9:33-35)

Apparently, it didn’t sink in. Not long after that, they got into another argument about who would get to sit closest to Jesus in Heaven. Jesus called them together again and said: “whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all.” Then he added this kicker: “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 9:35-45)

Jesus turned the world on its head. Want to be first? Be last. Want to be great? Be a servant.